STEM Term 2 Update

It has been an exciting and action-packed term for STEM at Good Samaritan Catholic College, with students across multiple year levels engaging in a wide variety of innovative and interdisciplinary activities. Here are some of the key highlights from our STEM program:

STEM Challenge at Thomas Reddall High School

Our Year 10 Newman students recently represented the College for the first time at the STEM Challenge hosted by Thomas Reddall High School. Competing in bridge building, eco-house design, and windmill construction to name a few, our students showcased impressive problem-solving skills and teamwork under pressure. Although we finished fifth, the students demonstrated great resilience and creativity throughout the day. A special thank you to Ms Nicolas, Mr Ortiz, and Ms Woods for making this opportunity

possible.

AEL Minecraft Series Competition

As part of STEM Club, our E-Sports teams took on the AEL Minecraft Series challenge, entering in both the Years 7–9 and Years 10–12 divisions. This involved building and designing solutions in Minecraft that required both technical knowledge and creative thinking. It was our first time entering this national competition, and while we didn’t place this year, our students demonstrated great effort and enthusiasm. Congratulations to all involved for their hard work and dedication.

STEM Club Coding Team Update

Our STEM Club coding team is nearing completion of their original game “Lumorin”, which is set to be submitted in July. The students have applied core coding principles, narrative design, and user interface planning which is an impressive achievement. We look forward to seeing the final product!

F1 STEM Racing Team

Our F1 STEM Racing team is currently developing a range of car prototypes which will be precision-milled using our CNC machinery on site. Students are also preparing to test their vehicles using our racing track, all in preparation for the regional F1 in Schools competition later this year. This is a hands-on application of physics, engineering, and teamwork in action!

Year 8 Newman Cross-KLA STEM Project

Our Year 8 Newman students are wrapping up their Sustainable City Design Project in Term 3. Using Minecraft as a design platform, students have combined learning from Geography, History, and Science to create innovative and environmentally conscious cities of the future. These projects will be presented at the Newman Symposium and submitted for the STEM MAD competition which is a great showcase of cross-curricular learning and digital creativity. It’s been a fantastic term for STEM and we are proud of all students and staff who continue to contribute their time, energy, and creativity to the program. Thank you again to all involved in supporting these initiatives and fostering a strong STEM culture at Good Samaritan Catholic College.

Mr. James Borg

STEM Coordinator